Your situation is that for the past four years you have been surrounded by continuous war conditions, and in order to avoid being forcibly sent to fight, you are confined to your home. Along with this, you are also suffering from multiple illnesses.
Because of all these difficulties, inner peace has been lost and you feel a weakness in your iman, even though you are sincerely trying to live your life according to the Sunnah.
In this regard, it is important to remember that no human being is exempt from natural human emotions. Grief, sadness, despair, and helplessness can affect Muslims and non-Muslims alike — sinners and righteous people — and even the Prophets experienced such states.
The Qur’an mentions that when Prophet Ya‘qub (peace be upon him) was separated from his beloved son Yusuf (peace be upon him) during his childhood, he said:
“I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah.” (Surah Yusuf: 86)
This shows that despite being a great Prophet, he experienced such intense sorrow that he turned to Allah with his grief and pain.
Similarly, Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 214:
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise while such trials have not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were afflicted with hardship and adversity and were shaken so severely that the Messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When will the help of Allah come?’ Indeed, the help of Allah is near.”
This verse clearly shows that feeling distressed and shaken during calamities is a natural human response.
Therefore, you should remain at ease: staying inside your home, protecting your life, and avoiding being forcibly sent to war is not a sin. Rather, in your current circumstances, preserving your life is a religious obligation, and you are striving to fulfill it.
Does being distressed by circumstances really mean that iman becomes weak?
The answer is no.
Inner restlessness, heaviness of the heart, or fluctuations in the emotional experience of worship do not necessarily indicate weakness of iman. This is precisely why Islamic law holds us accountable for actions, not for emotional states. Therefore, remain committed at the very least to obligatory duties, wajib acts, and emphasized Sunnah, and strictly avoid haram and makruh actions. In shā’ Allāh, there will be no accountability before Allah for the absence or decrease of certain inner feelings.
Practical steps to take:
- If you feel that your Iman is weak, then make an effort to strengthen it. Consider this period of isolation as a blessing.
- Speak abundantly to Allah. Present your grief, hardships, and illnesses directly to Him. This will bring a sense of renewal and strength to your iman.
- Furthermore, instead of presenting your complaints to people, turn to Allah with your cries and supplications. People eventually grow tired of listening to complaints, but Allah becomes pleased when His servant turns to Him, listens attentively, and grants accordingly — whether in this world, or if it is not better for us here, then in the Hereafter as a reward for those supplications.
- Additionally, recite the Kalimah Tayyibah and Istighfar several times during the day. These refresh and revive iman. Emotional feelings may also increase, but remember that these are not the objective nor a requirement.
- When Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) was trapped in the belly of the fish, he recited the Ayah Karimah: لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Means: “There is no deity except You; glory be to You. Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.”
Due to the blessing of this supplication and his turning back to Allah, Allah not only granted him safety and rescue from the belly of the fish, but also created means for the removal of his illness and granted him healing. - Moreover, firmly resolve to remain steadfast upon iman under all circumstances. Even if, Allah forbid, conditions worsen further and your life comes into danger, make a decisive intention never to turn away from iman. Even if worldly life were to be extended greatly, it is still temporary and fleeting, whereas the life of eternal comfort in the Hereafter is only attainable if one leaves this world with iman.
- Assist your mother to the best of your ability. Even if you cannot go outside, provide comfort and ease for her in every way possible. Serve her well when she returns home, keep her happy through good speech, good manners, and kindness. In this way, you can help reduce her worries and trials.
- Remember: there is no harm in shedding tears, feeling grief, or being overwhelmed by sorrow before Allah or during hardship. However, it is sinful to act against Allah’s will or to allow the heart to settle upon beliefs that contradict faith.
- The final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, when his young and beloved son Ibrahim passed away and tears flowed from his eyes, said:
“Indeed, the eyes shed tears and the heart grieves, but we do not say except what pleases our Lord. And indeed, O Ibrahim, we are deeply grieved by your separation.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Funerals, Hadith: 1303)
